Choosing the right commissioning agent is important when undertaking a construction project. The commissioning agent will oversee building systems' installation, testing, and start-up to ensure they meet design requirements. This verification process, known as commissioning in construction, is key for ensuring your new facility operates efficiently from day one.
When evaluating prospective commissioning agents, there are several factors to consider:
Experience Level
Look for an agent with extensive experience commissioning similar types of projects. For example, if your project involves a complex HVAC system and specialized laboratory equipment, choose a provider with a proven background in handling these systems. Less complex projects can use an agent with more generalized experience. Agents with 5-10 years of dedicated commissioning experience are preferred.
Technical Expertise
The agent must possess strong technical know-how related to all systems and equipment involved in your project. This expertise is needed to thoroughly understand design intent and evaluate conformance during functional performance testing. Ensure prospective agents have the appropriate engineering backgrounds for your specific project type. Licenses as a Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA) help verify advanced technical proficiency.
Communication Skills
A key duty of the commissioning agent involves creating detailed reports and liaising between various parties. Strong written and verbal skills are a must. Evaluate an agent’s report samples and ability to communicate objectives, findings, and recommended actions. Prospective agents should provide examples of commissioning plans, test scripts, deficiency reports, and other documentation types you can review.
Independent Third-Party Status
Ideally, the commissioning agent should be an independent third party. They should not have any financial ties to the design team, contractor, or equipment suppliers. This ensures the agent can provide an unbiased assessment of systems. In-house engineers can have unavoidable conflicts that prevent entirely objective evaluations. Be wary of agents recommended by parties with a stake in the project outcome.
Commissioning Process Knowledge
There are many steps and nuances involved in executing the commissioning process properly. Ensure the agent thoroughly understands best practices related to planning, documentation, testing procedures, issue resolution, training, and handoff. Experience with relevant commissioning standards is also valuable. Ask prospective agents about their commissioning process from start to finish. Requiring a commissioning plan early on can also reveal the level of know-how.
Ability to Lead The Process
The agent must be able to coordinate various trades, vendors, installers, and inspectors involved in construction. Look for leadership capabilities and skills to motivate participation and accountability during commissioning. An agent lacking strong oversight presents the risk of missed issues. Ask how prospective agents drive accountability and manage the involvement of specialty contractors.
Cost
Commissioning agent fees can vary widely depending on experience, technical capabilities, and scope of responsibilities. Typically, fees range from 0.5-3% of the overall construction cost. Evaluate cost and other decision criteria to ensure you get the right services for your budget. Get fee estimates from short-listed agents to compare costs. Avoid choosing solely based on the lowest cost, as cheaper agents may lack capabilities or depth of involvement.
References
Reputable commissioning agents should have numerous references from past satisfied clients. Check references to verify capabilities, communication skills, process execution, and attentiveness during construction. Speaking with past clients gives great insight into what it will be like working with a prospective agent.
By carefully evaluating agents against these criteria, you’ll be well-positioned to choose a commissioning authority that will best serve the verification needs of your project. Be sure to interview multiple prospective agents before making a selection. The right match will lead to a smoothly commissioned building that meets your ongoing operational needs.